Syria aims to establish “strategic partnerships” with Ukraine, the country’s new foreign minister, Asaad Hassan al-Shibani, stated during a meeting with his Ukrainian counterpart, Andrii Sybiha, on Monday. The discussions come as Kyiv seeks to strengthen ties with Syria’s new Islamist-led administration amid a decline in Russian influence in the region.

Russia, previously a key ally of ousted President Bashar al-Assad, has provided him with political asylum. Moscow has maintained communication with the new leadership in Damascus, including discussions about the future of Russian military bases in Syria.

Al-Shibani highlighted the potential for cooperation between Syria and Ukraine, emphasizing partnerships across political, economic, social, and scientific domains. He also drew a parallel between Syria’s civil war (2011-2024) and Ukraine’s experience with territorial aggression, including Russia’s 2022 invasion.

“The Syrian and Ukrainian people share similar experiences and suffering,” Al-Shibani remarked.

During his visit to Damascus, Sybiha also met with Syria’s new de facto leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, pledging increased humanitarian aid. Ukraine plans to deliver 20 shipments of flour to Syria, with additional food aid expected soon.

President Volodymyr Zelensky recently announced the first humanitarian shipment to Syria as part of Ukraine’s “Grain from Ukraine” initiative, developed in collaboration with the UN World Food Programme. The shipment includes 500 metric tons of wheat flour.

Diminishing Russian Influence

Ukraine’s growing engagement with Syria comes amid shifting dynamics. While Ukraine is a major global exporter of grain, its past trade with Syria was limited, as Syria historically relied on Russian food imports under Assad’s leadership.

However, Russian wheat shipments to Syria have been suspended due to uncertainties surrounding the new administration in Damascus and payment delays. Russia had previously circumvented Western sanctions by employing complex financial and logistical systems to continue its exports to Syria.

The removal of Assad by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, led by Al-Sharaa, has raised questions about the future of Russian military facilities in Syria, including the Hmeimim airbase in Latakia and the Tartous naval base.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov confirmed that negotiations with the new Syrian leadership will determine the status of these bases.

Al-Sharaa has expressed a cautious stance toward Russia, suggesting that future relations should align with shared interests. In a recent interview, he emphasized the importance of strategic alignment with Russia, while refraining from providing specific details.